Vancouver’s homeless persons memorial day going virtual

The annual longest night of the year memorial celebration will take place virtually this year.

Members of the faith community, homeless service providers, advocates, people experiencing homelessness and community members will gather virtually from 7 to 8 p.m. Dec. 21 to remember, show support and honor those who have died while homeless in 2020.

Signup is available until the start of the memorial and during at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4831991176813995276. A link will be emailed to the online event.

There is no charge to attend, and anyone is welcome. The event will be streamed for guests at a few of the local shelters, as well.

The memorial will include honoring each person who has died, fellowship and speakers. A recording will be shared publicly the following day.

Also, a memorial wall with names of people who died while homeless in 2020 will be in place on the backside of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1309 Franklin St., in Vancouver, from Friday through Christmas.

Community members are invited to visit and write messages remembering those who have died.

Visitors should wear masks and social distance. Outsiders Inn and St. Paul Lutheran Church will manage the memorial wall and encourage COVID-19 precautions.